There have been angry scenes as opponents of Ariel Sharon’s pullout plan clashed with Israeli security forces. A wall of police and soldiers blocked the path of thousands heading to the territory as part of a major protest march. With the withdrawal set to begin next month, feelings are running high. Demonstrators are battling Israel’s plan to remove all 21 Jewish settlements in Gaza and four of its enclaves in the West Bank. Gaza has been sealed off to all non-resident Israelis since Thursday night.

Before the unrest, there had been a party atmosphere at a rally in the town of Netivot. It marked the start of the three-day march – an event organizers dub the “greatest protest” in the nation’s history. But protesters don’t have public opinion on their side. Polls indicate most Israelis support the pullout plan.

Copyright © 2012 euronews